Utah deputy accused of assaulting fire chief father released from jail

A Grand County sheriff's deputy who was arrested for investigation of attempted murder following an alleged attack on his father — who serves as Moab's fire chief — has been released from the San Juan County Jail.

A Grand County sheriff's deputy who was arrested for investigation of attempted murder following an alleged attack on his father — who serves as Moab's fire chief — has been released from the San Juan County Jail.

MOAB — A Grand County sheriff's deputy who was arrested for investigation of attempted murder following an alleged attack on his father — who serves as Moab's fire chief — has been released from the San Juan County Jail.

Still, very little is known publicly about what happened early Friday between Timothy John "TJ" Brewer and his father, Corky Brewer, who was taken to a hospital in Grand Junction, Colo., for treatment.

Moab Police Chief Mike Navarre, in a press release issued Friday, said officers were called to a home about 12:14 a.m. that day for a "domestic violence-related" incident.

After a preliminary investigation, TJ Brewer was booked into jail for investigation of attempted murder, aggravated assault, domestic violence in the presence of a child, assault on a police officer, disorderly conduct and intoxication, the press release said.

On Tuesday, Navarre referred all questions about the case to the Utah County Sheriff's Office, which is investigating the incident at the chief's request.

Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Erik Knutzen said the agency has detectives working in Grand and San Juan counties and in Grand Junction to gather evidence and witness statements. The initial investigation is expected to be completed by week's end and presented to the Utah Attorney General's Office for possible criminal charges, the sergeant said.

"We are handling the investigation; all information about the case, though, will have to be released by Moab police and Chief Navarre," Knutzen said.

Corky Brewer, who has been Moab's fire chief since 1989, was discharged from the hospital Monday, according to Moab Valley Fire Protection Commission Chairman William "Izzy" Nelson.

Nelson said he did not know the nature of Brewer's injuries or whether they would prevent him from returning to duty in the future. Assistant Moab Fire Chief Monte Curtis is leading the department for now.

"We're covered. We're well-covered," Nelson said. "The public should see no difference in response."

TJ Brewer, 33, is a 12-year veteran of the Grand County Sheriff's Office who was working narcotics at the time of his arrest. He has been placed on paid administrative leave, said Sheriff Steven White, who declined to comment on the ongoing criminal investigation.

"I'm his employer and I have to make sure his rights as an employee are protected," the sheriff said.

A judge ordered that TJ Brewer be released late Monday from the San Juan County Jail on the condition that the deputy abide by the terms of a no-contact order.

State court records show Brewer's wife asked a judge Monday for a temporary protective order. The request was granted and a hearing was set for July 23. The order was dismissed a day later at the woman's request, according to court records.